New Milford wrestling wins first sectional title in program history

NEWTON — For the first time in the history of the program, New Milford wrestling has a sectional championship.

The Knights defeated 25-time sectional champion Kittatinny, 38-31, in Wednesday’s North 1, Group 1 sectional final.

“It’s emotional to even think about,” head coach Ray Cottiers said. “It’s been a long road, this season and the last few with this group. They’ve battled through injuries and setbacks and to come here against a great opponent and a legenday coach in John Gill, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The dual came down to the final matchup of the night, at 106 pounds, when freshman Stelios Psarianos pulled out a 5-4 decision over Kittatinny’s Dylan Tighe.

“I didn’t even think about it,” Psarianos said. “I live for this sport and I just went out on the mat to try and do what I could do.”

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Leading 3-1 at the start of the third period, Tighe took down Psarianos only for the freshman to reverse and pull ahead. Psarianos then rode out Tighe for the remainder of the period to cement the win.

New Milford (16-1) built an 18-10 lead on consecutive pins by seniors Devin and Jerzey Ryan at 132 and 138 pounds. The Knights led by as many as 19 points thanks to pins at 157 and 165 pounds by senior Joseph Langschultz and junior Robbie Bianchi.

“We needed six there and it looked a little questionable at times,” Cottiers said. “Another key for us was Aramis Hernandez at 120 getting a pin early. He works double sessions with us and privates and he’s battled with weight issues so getting a pin there was a huge part as well.”

Kittatinny (12-11) won four straight bouts, three of them by decision, to pull the matchup to 35-31 for the final bout.

What it means

The Knights have had an incredible season with the team’s only loss coming in the NJIC semifinals against Hasbrouck Heights. Cottiers is a New Milford alum himself and in his 12th season as the coach of the Knights. Achieving a program first after more than a decade and a half involved in New Milford wrestling as a wrestler and a coach, it’s a rewarding moment for Cottiers.

“It’s been a full commitment from the coaches to the wrestlers to the parents that all bought in and the people who traveled an hour to be here and support us,” Cottiers said. “My assistant head coach Matt Ulrich, who came on three years ago. I seeded all practice responsibilities to him. He’s been running technique and pushing the guys. He’s a major reason we are here right now with a trophy tonight.”

Turning point

Leading 23-16 halfway through the dual, Langschultz extended the lead with a pin in 58 seconds. Bianchi then walked on the mat at 165 pounds but would trail as much as 13-5 in the second period. Bianchi rallied late in the second period to pull within one takedown against Aran Kover.

“I just kept thinking about the work I put in at practice and doing it for my team and for this community that I love,” Bianchi said.

Bianchi shifted from bottom position and reversed into a pin attempt. Bianchi earned the pin with 39 seconds left in the third period. While the reversal and back points would have given Bianchi the lead, the six points proved to be crucial for New Milford.

“He’s the cardiac kid with us,” Cottiers said. “We have grown accustomed to matches like that with Robbie. He’s been with us since he was a freshman and working hard at club. We saw it pay off today in a big way.”

They said it

“Having a moment like this as a freshman gets me very excited. It makes me think about what we can accomplish between now and when I am a senior.” – Psarianos.

“Jojo [Langschultz]’s pin made me hyped. I just wanted to lay it on them after that and try my hardest.” – Bianchi.